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Classical and Contemporary Dance

Dance dancers
CoSA’s Classical and Contemporary Dance conservatory focuses on training in concert dance techniques—ballet and contemporary dance—and developing creative artistry and skills in choreography. The heart of the program is composition and improvisation, the experience of being a practicing artist. Students create their own work with guidance from the faculty by exploring diverse styles that are interesting to them.  
 
Guest artists create or reset dances with CoSA’s dance students, giving them the opportunity to work from many different professional approaches. Students are provided with a spectrum of dance instruction that includes cultural styles from around the world, and ancient dance forms up to the latest trends in dance. Flamenco, hip hop, tap, jazz and many other styles have been included in various repertory pieces by faculty and student choreographers.
 
Academic studies include dance history, theory, criticism, nutrition and dance cultures of the world.  Field trips and internships complement the classroom instruction, which takes place in one of two state-of-the art dance studios.
 
A key component of the conservatory program is assessment by a jury of faculty and professionals at the end of each semester.  Each jury is aligned to the conservatory’s benchmarks for dance achievement (evidence of technical skills) and performance (both solo and ensemble). Students perform in two dance concerts each year on the Main Stage, as well as several other community events.
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